School of Human Movement Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The age-related loss of muscle power in older adults is greater than that of muscle strength and is associated with a decline in physical performance.

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the effects of a short-term high-velocity varied resistance training programme on physical performance in healthy community-dwelling adults aged 60-80 years.

METHODS:

Subjects undertook exercise (EX; n=15) or maintained customary activity (controls, CON; n=10) for 8 weeks. The EX group trained 2 days/week using machine weights for three sets of eight repetitions at 35, 55, and 75% of their one-repetition maximum (the maximal weight that an individual can lift once with acceptable form) for seven upper- and lower-body exercises using explosive concentric movements.

CONCLUSIONS:

Progressive resistance training that incorporates rapid rate-of-force development movements may be safely undertaken in healthy older adults and results in significant gains in muscle strength, muscle power, and physical performance. Such improvements could prolong functional independence and improve the quality of life.